Tuesday, February 24, 2015

The further away I am from the experience, the more fondly I look upon my last semester studying abroad. I flip through little mementos or will sometimes see something on Facebook about Florence (Katy P. was recently there at the exact Gucci museum I visited) and get a tinge of sadness. I do miss it.

I think though what I'm finding (and everyone says this) that coming back from studying abroad is harder than the actual experience sometimes. For me, just like my trip, it's not hard in the way most students experience. They long again for the free lifestyle of doing what they want in a city where it seems there are no limits on food, adventure, or people. For me though, I just am finding such a hard readjustment to this person I've become since living over there.

Specifically with my style. It is all over the place and every morning I almost dread getting dressed because I know I won't be able to come up with anything that makes me feel good/I'm satisfied with. I cannot undo the experiences of the places I saw, people I studied, and brands I was exposed to over there. Mixing all that with the style I had before that felt "so me" I come out with a mishmash mess of confusing elements that lack cohesion. I can't decide and frankly don't know who I want to be, and I haven't had this frustrating phase in my 'style' since I was first introduced to fashion in the 7th grade, embarking on finding my personal style.

It's somewhat disheartening as a "personal style blogger" to not know what the heck you're doing right now when people expect things from you. I'm sure you all have noticed the lack of outfit posts on here recently, and although I do them because I love them, there is still a guilty part inside of me because I'm not doing technically what people "read my blog for." I'm not an expert on makeup, I can't really write all that engagingly, and my every day photos are sub-par. So, I've always stuck with putting outfits together; mixing, matching, and styling. But it seems when I can't even do that...I feel lost.

I know I'll dig my way out of what seems like a crater of a style rut, but for now the transitioning process is hard and something I feel like I (too repetitively) speak about on here. But I feel like it's important I suppose to talk about these huge, monumental shifts in style because they define a new era of ourselves. I'm scared for this new era and feel helplessly unequipped; but in the end I'll be the girl I aspire to be and that is worth it. x

Monday, February 23, 2015

It's been requested by quite a few people lately that I talk about my every day makeup routine! It honestly isn't anything special or extensive at all, but I always think it's interesting to look into how others do their makeup, too. So, I'll give this a little go. I'll list the products below of what I use on an every day basis (I have a lot more I use from time to time but aren't essential to my look), and then if I actually recommend I'll mark it with an *

coverage and looks very natural and not cakey in the slightest. A little goes a long way!

-I actually don't do my concealer until after I do my eye makeup. Usually, I just do a simple sweep of color from my Urban Decay Ammo Palatte all over my lid in the color Sin.* It's a gorgeous champagne that adds shimmer!

-The next step in my eye look is applying my gel liner from Benefit's They're Real Push Up Liner. I do a line starting from the beginning of my lashes in the inner corner, to the end of my lid. Then I do a small cat eye flick; still can't get it perfect though!

-Although the liner is a gel and is fairly opaque, I like to have a really solid line so I go over my eyeliner with a matte black shadow from a small sample palette I got from BH Cosmetics in a Birchbox.

-Finally, a do quite a few coats of mascara (which I actually forgot to picture, whoops!). I'm bouncing between a few right now and not loyal to one, but I've always loved the L'oreal Voluminous Volume Building Mascara* for years. I do between 2-3 coats on my top lashes only.

-My eyebrows are one of my favorite parts of my makeup to do; recently I picked up theDip Brow Pomade in Chocolate from Anastasia of Bevery Hills* and the #12 Eyebrow Brush* to go with it. Seriously life changing, guys. This stuff fills in the sparseness of my brows and really shapes them to give definition to my whole face. I brush them with the spooly first to align them, then use very light strokes and kind of fill in like I'm coloring. I finish off with the spooly again, brushing the hairs into place and distributing the product.

-I will put concealer underneath my eyes after all my eye makeup is done. I just feel like there's not point to put it on when product is constantly falling on your under eye area and you have to wipe it off! I mainly just use mine to conceal dark circles, but do put it on some areas of my face where dark spots persist, as well. Currently I'm using Maybelline's Fit Me, but am looking to try to TarteColored Clay Undereye Concealer.

That's it! I'm not all into that contouring, highlighting, and extra stuff. Most days, I don't even usually wear blush. It's a simple and classic look I've learned to love doing that matches any outfit I come up with. I am looking for a new eyeliner to try though and a new concealer, so any suggestions you all might have are much appreciated!

Saturday, February 21, 2015

As I alluded to last post, I have some exciting summer plans for 2015--- I got an internship! It was a very stressful and emotionally trying process that I've talked about on and off here, but most of my fears and anxieties I kept bottled up. It's a requirement to have an internship for my major before you graduate, and most students do it between their junior and senior year. I have worried about this internship since I was a freshman coming in (seriously, everyone told me how hard to was to get one), and it's been a stressful last few months as I began the application process.

I was applying to a lot and not hearing anything back from anyone, which was discouraging. One place that was kind of an "aspirational" application told me no, they didn't even want to interview me and I was crushed; another place I was so close and then someone else snagged it right it front of me. I felt like something was wrong with me, and I just got more and more frustrated and down; even going home a few weeks back if you remember because I just wanted to break down and be with my family.

But I had to keep persisting. My dad is a salesman and he told me, "no matter how many people say no, you keep trying and you keep putting yourself out there because someone will say YES." It was such an encouragement to me to hear these words from my father-- whom I admire so much for his hard work, dedication, and success. I was reminded that at times in his life in sales, he too had failed but he always continued pushing.

Fast forward to the last two weeks and it was all kind of a blur. I was actually contacted by a company who saw my application and wanted to move me on in the process and do a video interview. I felt this weight lifted off my shoulders. Finally! If I could just get past being a piece of paper, I could show hiring recruiters how passionate, determined, and hard working I am. I was super nervous for the video interview, my stomach in knots the entire time but thankfully they liked my video interview well enough that a few days later, they asked me to do an in person interview.

The position I applied for is in Columbus, so luckily I was home for the weekend and it was an easy 1 hour drive instead of the 2.5 hour drive it would be for Kent. I remember being so nervous in the car with my mom and shaking and having a panic attack because I wanted this so bad... not because it was required, but because it was such an amazing opportunity to advance my experiences/skills. I want to make my family proud; to show them I am so grateful for all they do for me. I wanted this for my future, for my family, and for me.

I waited impatiently for a few days after my interview, the anticipation killing me. But on Wednesday during one of my classes I received a phone call and couldn't answer it. I called back immediately after my class and was told I was accepted into the position; I honestly couldn't believe it.

So, I am so proud to say I will be interning for Nordstrom this summer! It is an amazing and inspiring company I am honored to represent and learn from. My program is Retail Management, and I am eager to start this summer.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Long time no see; my apologies! Ive been a busy bee lately buzzing all around trying to get things done for school, keeping up with friends, and trying to find an internship. I actually went home this weekend to visit my family, and I got selected to move on in an interview process for an internship in Columbus, so I just stayed over to go to that on Monday. But more on that in another post!

It was a really nice weekend at home and it was so lovely to spend part of Valentine's Day with my boyfriend. We're a super causal couple, so we just went out for a little dinner at the best Mexican joint in town, exchanged gifts, and then watched a movie together. My kind of night! We did a $10 and under present deal but the little sneak broke his end of the deal, so I suppose that means I win for the best gift since I obeyed the rules? I got him some all natural beard oil that conditions and strengthens it which I thought was a good idea since he has a red beard and it's quite itchy! This gift was good for both of us, ha. He got me perfect, thoughtful gifts of heat changing mugs that go from a tired face to an awake one with a hot drink, and a gorgeous, red tea set because he knows I've been quite into tea lately.

Anyways, enough mush and gush for now! Things are really busy but going great for me; can't wait to tell you more about why in my next post! Until then. x

Thursday, February 12, 2015

I've noticed a little trend on my instagram lately that includes all things in different hues of pink. It seems cupid must have shot me with his arrow this month and replaced my love of red (gasp) for the girliest of colors. Not that I mind at all though ♥ These are just some pretty photos of pink things catching my eye this month--

a vintage 60's nightgown I thrifted awhile back//delicious + cheery Dunkin Donut's runs// a look into my MAC lipstick collection (most are shades of pink)// and the brightness of one of my new succulents' bloossom

I think I want to kind of do more...pointless (?) sort of posts like this on this blog. Over the past five years I've mainly just done outfit posts, but I think sort of rambly, inspiration, thought posts are kind of nice too. They're more personal and real. They're a little something I personally like to read on other blogs, and think I would like to incorporate into my own. x

With much love,

P.S. If you'd care to see more photos of my every day life, my instagram is @passingwhimsies.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Another little Valentine's Day inspired outfit-- this time mixing some red with polka dots! I love these polka dot pants from Forever21, but they're just so hard to style with anything to be honest. They're not the most flattering for my shape/height, and they have these really strange elastic bits at the bottom that I always tuck in because it's awkward, ha. But, I do try to style them up every now and then because I think they can be a fun, yet classic piece to wear.

On a different note, I am not a Kanye West fan by any means (his personality or his music), but I am sort of obsessed with his new song he did with Paul McCartney called Only One. It's about his late mother speaking to him, talking about his daughter with Kim Kardashian, North. Whether you like the family or not, it's such a sweet song that brings a tear to my eye. It's definitely a softer, sweeter vibe than I've ever seen Kanye do and I really like it. I think it has inspiring lyrics that I can really relate to-- it's been stuck in my head like a broken record the past week! x

Monday, February 9, 2015

I thrifted this pretty little number this past weekend and am so pleased with it. It's lace perfection in a gorgeous powder blue hue and a darling sweet heart neckline. It was originally from Forever21, but I scored it for $3-- gosh, I just love thrifting!

As you might notice, I've changed the background again to my photo wall in my apartment. I am always so indecisive about it. I liked the decals, but felt they were somewhat too childish for some of my outfits, so I wanted to go with something simpler. Right now I just have a garland I bought from Target hanging up that I decorated with glitter glue, and a rug from Urban Outfitters to add a bit more to the scene. It won't stay like this for long though, because I'm debating back and forth what to do next...I'd really like to bring my clothes rack up from back home and place it behind me to display some pretty pieces; or display my vintage 40's globe as a prop to stand next to. We'll see! I love having a little space to customize to my liking :)Hope you all are well! Love you all. xWith much love, Lauren.P.S. I thought it was so incredible today and wanted to share the story as a bit of encouragement, but I was in Dunkin' Donuts today and saw this older man witnessing to a younger college student. It was so refreshing to see faith being discussed in a public place, reminding me that Christ is everywhere, inspiring so many! x

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Mmm, I love February because it gives me the excuse to wear all the red + florals I want! I think it's actually a bit of a bummer that the holiday is half way through the month-- I kind of wish it was at the end that way we could celebrate all month long! But then again, who says you have to stop giving/showing love any time of the year? I guess no one, as it should be :)

I don't know if you can see in these pictures (which were taken by my rad friend Amber in a Wendy's parking lot; yeah!), but I have a special necklace on. It's a little cup of hot chocolate charm with marshmallows in it. My little sister who's 11 gave it to me for Christmas and it's just the sweetest thing ever. She saved up these 'points' she earns at school for good deeds, and when it was time to redeem them for a prize, she saw this and got it for me with her points. Cue the massive amount of AWHHHHs. She really is the best; so thoughtful and sweet. I miss her so much being up here at college and can't wait until I go back home to see her + snuggle again! x

I truly can't complain too much about life lately-- it's been pretty darn swell. I feel really settled into my apartment here at college, and have begun having fun with decorating it. I am, of course, on a college student's budget so that consists of mostly thrifting decor or making it myself. I left a lot of my stuff though at home like my globe and my instagram wall prints, so I hope to bring those up next time I'm home! I also want to grab my clothing rack I used to hang my vintage store's stock on and just kind of display pretty things on it for looks. One thing I did definitely want to purchase new though was....SUCCULENT PLANTS! I have been really intrigued by these for awhile now and searched high and low for them. I got the suggestion to try Home Depot, and I went today and they had the best (aka cutest) selection. I picked up two: one a cactus and one a shorter leafed plant. I'm kind of nervous about them to be honest because I've never owned a plant before or done anything of the sort...I know they're the most low maintenance plants you can get, but I'm still convinced I'll end up messing them up somehow, ha. I thrifted some cute little pots for them to be re-potted in, so I'm looking forward to doing that maybe tomorrow. Any tips you all could give me on taking care of the plants/repotting would be so appreciated! ♥

Also, I've gotten a little bit into cooking recently, too! In my dorm the first two years I only had a microwave, so now that I have an oven and stove there's so many more possibilities...I mostly enjoy baking things. Muffins and biscuits. I fixed some sweet potato ones the other day and they were amazing-- yum, yum, yum!

Andddd my final obsession as of recently? Tea. I tried getting into drinking tea last year, but I just felt like it tasted like ahem, nothing, and would add a BUNCH of sugar to it to help the taste. Well, I eventually got out of drinking it because I felt it was just "meh," but my aunt got me some earl grey k-cups for my keriug for Christmas and I started using them recently. I drank it without sugar and was kind of amazed at how I could think last year that tea had "no flavour." Between that earl grey and bags of twinning's breakfast tea + some dessert tea I had from last year I've been drinking a cup or two a day. Mostly at night. I find it just so, so soothing and relaxing, and really helps clear my thoughts and wind me down after a long day. Mint is another favorite of mine-- it just gives me such clarity--and I look forward to maybe picking up some of that when I've finished off all of the tea I've accumulated thus far! Tea recommendations are welcome down below, as well :)

This semester has been a really busy one for me, but rewarding. I feel like ever since I got back from Italy and my experiences there, I have such a new view of the fashion industry and my studies. The first two years of my schooling here in theKent State fashion program left me sometimes frustrated. It's an amazing school, the second best in the US for fashion, but often times at the end of the semester I would look back at the course work I'd done and thought, "did I even learn anything? Do I feel like these courses are well preparing me for a career in the industry after I graduate?"

And I know why I felt that way, because a lot of the classes I was taking were repeating the same information over and over again, and it felt like sometimes I was taking the same class and never learning anything because the material would overlap. Also, the things I was learning seemed so abstract and not relatable to myself or the industry.

But now in the second half of my junior year in the program, I understand exactly why they do things they do here and I'm so greatful for it! They lay a base the first two years because the information we're learning, although it can seem abract and repeated to death, is important to understand and fully grasp before you move on in learning more in depth about the industry. It didn't feel like I was learning anything the first few years because instead of them teaching me concrete information, it was more about teaching me concepts and a way of thought that is important when you get to upper level classes. By learning these basic things, I'm now able to apply them and understand why this, that, ect is done in the fashion industry and it all makes sense.

I find myself really excited and hungry for knowledge at this stage in my schooling which feels great. It was exciting to see in Italy these things I was learning in the classroom actually put into practice at the corporations, factories, and people I visited, and I continue putting that knowledge into real life experience this year. I've found sites like WGSN or WWD not so boring as I did in my first few years, simply because I didn't understand them. Now with an understanding, an interest cultivated in me that this school has developed, I find myself always wanting to stay up to date on the industry and learning as much as I can.

I don't know, I'm just at a cool point in my education and my life where I'm more excited than ever to be entering the field I'm in. Studying fashion has turned into so much more than I ever thought it would be when I first embarked on the journey two and a half years ago. It's enlightened me as a person in not only my educational knowledge, but in my own personal beliefs and attitudes, as well.